Random inorganic networks: a novel class of high-performance ceramics

The preparation of amorphous inorganic networks in the system Si/B/N/C , st arting from molecular single source precursors results in high performance ceramics with outstanding and unprecedented high temperature and mechanical properties. Different ways of incorporating carbon into the final ceramics are described and new single source precursors presented. The local struct ure and intermediate range order in these amorphous inorganic networks are studied using conventional multinuclear B-11, C-13 and Si-29 magic angle sp inning (MAS) NMR and advanced double resonance techniques such as Si-29-{B- 11} rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR), C-13-{B-1 1} REAPDOR or B-11-{Si-29} rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR spe ctroscopy.